Tania Wilson’s decision to join BASIS International & Bilingual Schools • China was driven by a passion for growth and collaboration. As a New Zealand-trained early childhood educator, she was drawn to the school’s strong focus on professional learning, where workshops, team-building activities, and shared teaching strategies continually renew her passion for teaching. For Tania, each day feels fresh thanks to the opportunity to refine her craft and build meaningful connections with like-minded educators.
Starting My Overseas Teaching Journey
I am a New Zealand-trained early childhood educator with a strong background in play-based learning. I began my overseas teaching career in 2016. I spent four years teaching in Beijing before deciding to continue my international journey with BASIS International & Bilingual Schools • China. BASIS International Schools stood out because of its strong professional development culture and collaborative teaching environment. While the school follows a structured curriculum, I appreciate the opportunities to integrate hands-on, inquiry-based learning that aligns with my early childhood (ECE) philosophy. This balance allows me to support young learners in developing foundational skills in an engaging and meaningful way.
Transformative Professional Development
The emphasis on professional development at BASIS International & Bilingual Schools • China has been a game changer for me. It’s like hitting the ‘refresh’ button on my teaching style every time—whether through engaging workshops, collaborative meetings, or the occasional necessary coffee run with colleagues. I’m constantly learning new strategies to enhance my teaching practice, which keeps things fresh and exciting for me and the students.
The school culture is incredibly supportive, with a real team-oriented approach. It’s not just about developing professionally but about making real connections with colleagues who are just as passionate about helping students succeed. Plus, BASIS International Schools is full of people who are always eager to share what’s worked for them—whether it’s the best way to organize a lesson or the secret to surviving the school year with a smile. I genuinely feel like I’m growing alongside a community that’s always striving to improve, and it excites me to come to work every day.
Building Instant Faculty Connections
One of the best things about BASIS International & Bilingual Schools • China is how quickly you bond with the group you start with. From day one, you go through everything together—navigating a new school system, getting medical exams done, figuring out local toilet etiquette, and even relying on your Learning Enhancement Teacher (LET) to order your coffee because you haven’t quite mastered the language yet! These shared experiences create an instant connection, and the friendships you form become a huge source of professional and personal support.
The LETs are an incredible help in adjusting to life at BASIS International Schools, ensuring you never feel like you’re going through it alone. Unlike other schools where it can take time to build relationships, at BASIS International Schools, you quickly become part of a tight-knit team that helps you grow and thrive.
Team Building Through Play
One of the most memorable professional development experiences this year was our team-building day playing Counter-Strike. It was a fun and unconventional way to strengthen collaboration and communication under pressure. Like in the classroom, success depended on teamwork, quick decision-making, and adaptability. It also helped build camaraderie among colleagues in a relaxed setting, reinforcing the supportive culture at BASIS International Schools. This experience reminded me how important it is to work together and trust each other—whether in a game or a school environment.
Workshops, Collaboration, and Meaningful Connections
One of the standout moments from the Summer Institute wasn’t just the insightful workshops and collaboration—but also the unexpected surprises! A friend of mine met her now-boyfriend there, which shows that BASIS International Schools isn’t just about professional growth; it also fosters meaningful connections. The institute itself was a fantastic opportunity to engage with colleagues, share best practices, and refine our teaching strategies in a supportive and engaging environment.
Tania Wilson
Early Childhood Education (ECE) Teacher
BASIS International & Bilingual Schools Chengdu
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